The addition of Virginia Tech graduate transfer tailback Travon McMillian all but settles the Buffs’ tailback hierarchy, right? Not if Bisharat has his way. McMillian won’t arrive on campus until after he graduates from VT, likely opening the door for Bisharat to receive the bulk of carries through CU’s spring drills. Bisharat was the Buffs’ second-leading rusher at tailback last fall, but with just 61 yards on 21 attempts. The departure of Phillip Lindsay should give Bisharat more opportunity to impact CU’s running attack.

Receiver Kabion Ento

Ento was a dynamic deep-play threat as a first-year junior college transfer in 2016 with 21.8 yards per catch on eight receptions. Coaches redshirted Ento last fall with three senior starters returning, but those players have now graduated. Ento’s combination of size (6-3, 190) and athleticism might pave the way for another talented crop of CU receivers to take center stage in 2018.

Quarterback Steven Montez

Montez’s first season as a full-time starter was marred by the inconsistency one might expect from a sophomore quarterback. More will be expected this season in terms of both production and leadership — especially without the safety net of Lindsay in the backfield. Montez must also adapt to a new quarterbacks coach (Kurt Roper) and play caller (Darrin Chiaverini) as the Buffs aim to bolster their offensive numbers.

Taylor has yet to play a down in a CU uniform, but expectations remain sky-high for the class of 2018 early enrollee out of Coahoma Community College (Miss.). 24/7 Sports rated Taylor as the No. 1 junior college outside linebacker prospect in the nation and the Buffs are in need of filling the void left by Ryan Moeller at CU’s hybrid outside linebacker/safety spot. If Taylor’s learning curve is short, his impact might be large.

Cornerback Trey Udoffia

With Isaiah Oliver headed to the NFL, CU is without its true lock-down cornerback in 2018. Is Udoffia next in line? He intercepted a pass in his first career college game against Colorado State as a redshirt freshman and finished the year with 10 pass breakups. The Buffs brought in five defensive backs in their latest recruiting class. Udoffia must show continued improvement to hold down his role in the CU secondary.

CSU quarterback Collin Hill's second ACL tear has opened debate over the role of coaches in preventing off-field injuries, with Colorado Buffaloes coach Mike MacIntyre barring his team from playing basketball and former CSU coach Sonny Lubick allowing his players to compete in intramural sports on campus.

Colorado State University and Becky Hammon engaged in talks over the Rams men's head basketball coaching vacancy, but she has decided to stay at her current post as an assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs.

With a NCHC regular-season title, a Hobey Baker Award and a NCAA title won last season, the NCHC playoff crown was the only available trophy that eluded the University of Denver hockey team. On Saturday night, they completed the place setting.